To clip or not to clip....that is the question!
I'm rarely in a quandry regarding the basic care for my horse but I am dithering a-plenty this yar with regards to his first clip.
Usually I leave it until mid to end of October depending on the weather but this year I have a championship show on Oct 4th.
Right now the weather is very warm although getting chilly at night. He hasn't yet got his 'winter' coat but certainly is getting a bit fluffier and noticably a bit sweatier when worked hard.
My worry is that if I clip him.now he will be chilly in the field in the middle of the night with his lightweight rug on but too hot in the early evening with a medium weight on.
I contemplated switching him to daytime turnout but the flies are really bad at the moment and even with a fly rug on he goes beserk if they start annoying him.
If I don't clip him I run the risk of him being more thick coated and getting all sweated up when traveling to the show, arriving all hot and bothered and feeling horrible. Not to mention the whole problem of working him hard once there.
Hmmmmmmm not sure what to do for the best. I've checked the weather and the fine, mild days are set to continue.
Anyone care to give any insight if they've perhaps faced a similar decision?
All and every are much appreciated!
Usually I leave it until mid to end of October depending on the weather but this year I have a championship show on Oct 4th.
Right now the weather is very warm although getting chilly at night. He hasn't yet got his 'winter' coat but certainly is getting a bit fluffier and noticably a bit sweatier when worked hard.
My worry is that if I clip him.now he will be chilly in the field in the middle of the night with his lightweight rug on but too hot in the early evening with a medium weight on.
I contemplated switching him to daytime turnout but the flies are really bad at the moment and even with a fly rug on he goes beserk if they start annoying him.
If I don't clip him I run the risk of him being more thick coated and getting all sweated up when traveling to the show, arriving all hot and bothered and feeling horrible. Not to mention the whole problem of working him hard once there.
Hmmmmmmm not sure what to do for the best. I've checked the weather and the fine, mild days are set to continue.
Anyone care to give any insight if they've perhaps faced a similar decision?
All and every are much appreciated!